Shure M44-7 Standard DJ Turntable Cartridge

Shure has offered this cartridge and stylus combo almost since the inception of stereo records in 1958. The exceptional performance includes, but is not limited to, exceptionally resonant bass and flat highs with no mid-range accent like some other cartridges introduce.This cartridge and stylus combo manages to reproduce an even-keeled tonality which works over a wide variety of records, even 78 RPM recordings with the original M44-designed diamond stylus inserted (this stylus was last manufactured in the 90's by Shure).Radio stations used this cartridge where better performance was demanded of the stylus under abusive conditons versus the Stanton which was often found in studios as well during the 60's, 70's and 80's.I am purchasing a new one, because the original I've had for 25 years is finally falling apart internally (electrical noise, channel imbalances and the stylus will now fall out of the grip). The cartridge and stylus was already used when I acquired it, but I have taken exceptional care of this for all these years. The stylus actually has out-lived the cartridge! Considering the number of years this one has lasted, and the fact that Shure is manufacturing the new ones exactly in the same fashion as the original means this should be the last cartridge I should ever have to buy for the rest of my professional career. The price versus how many years of durability and reliability make this more than exceptional value, it's practically free!If you're an audiophile, you'll still appreciate the delicacy it can reveal even in the most demanding recordings, even while tracking some of the most harsh perterbations of the groove.This cartridge's specs usually are always above the book values, always have been, that's Shure's QC. Read the specs, and you'll know that is the MINIMUM performance you can expect out of their product. Anything less than spec gets re-labeled and sold at Radio Shack.In short, just buy it, it's worthy of any turntable!

I finally replaced these after about 7 years because I'm not hard on my vinyl at all, and I got them on a whim. I use a magnifier to inspect my needles for wear and my old ones were not even in need of repair but I picked these up anyway for the price. I immediately compared them to the old ones to verify there was no wear on the older ones but I replaced them anyway because I did the "break in" procedure on my old needles which caused the shafts to develop kinks in them. I don't know if it had any impact on sound quality (especially for DVS), but for the price, I figured why not. I'm primarily an Ortofon user but these are great for DVS use and general playback, the needles are also cheaper to replace. Get them while vinyl is still around.

I purchased the Shure M44-7 Standard DJ Turntable Cartridge out of curiosity. Prior to this, I was using a Shure Mx97xe cartridge mounted on a Audio-Technica AT-LP1240-USB turntable. When I originally purchased that turn table I chose the Shure Mx97xe cartridge, instead of the Shure M44-7 cartridge. I believe my decision was partly due to thinking the Shure MX97xe cartridge had a more detailed sound, which (by the way) it probably does. The only thing is, everyone at our house after hearing both cartridges, all agree that the Shure M44-7 cartridge offers a more powerful and convincing musical experience. The word emotional was used by several people to describe the sound.. The stereo separation, by itself, just seems to be more effective; and when there is an emphasis in the music, on some specific track, the Shure M44-7 seems to make it in a more pronounced and powerful way.The bass is big and bold with this cartridge This cartridge plays loud and you do not need to turn up the volume as much on your receiver, or amplifier. We played Bruce Springsteen's BORN TO RUN, and it was just amazing, much like some of us remember hearing Bruce Springsteen on the radio some years ago. Dylan on HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED has a growl in his voice, just the way he should. New vinyl recordings sound equally robust and inspiring.As most people know, vinyl records have made a big come back! People talk about the vinyl sound, and ( just maybe) this is what they are talking about. The Shure M44-7 has been around since, at least, the 1960's, and DJ's have used it over the years to play music on the radio and for scratching. There simply must be a reason why they choose this cartridge. I think it is probably due to the fact that it sounds so great. Some things are difficult to improve on; and although I ordered an extra head shell, to make changing cartridges simple, I think I will be keeping the Shure M44-7 on the tone arm quite a bit. That is just what everyone here seems to want me to do.I am using both cartridges with a Schiit Mani phono preamp. I set the gain at 42db. I also tried it at the 30db. In my estimation, the 42db setting sounded best for both cartridges. As far as I have been able to determine, 42db is also what the on board phono preamp provided with the Audio Technica AT-LP1240-USB turn table is permanently set at. According to the Schiit Mani OWNER'S MANUAL 42db is what most cartridges work best at.As the enclosed instructions explain, the Shure M44-7 has three set up possibilities. I used the standard Hi-Fi set up for music listening. The cartridge can also be set up for standard DJ use, or for unorthodox DJ use. These last two set ups are mainly for scratching. Although at first all this might seem a bit complicated, I believe it is best not to over think it and to look at the instructions, carefully. If still confused, as I was at first, a bit of on internet research to see what others have done might be good.It would be nice, if the Shure M44-7 cartridge came with a protractor to align it correctly on the tone arm. On the up side you can download a protractor on the internet and print it out on some heavy photography paper on just about any printer. I simply used the protractor that came with the Shure MX97xe cartridge for my installation, since I already had it. I think this protractor is basically what is called a Baerwald protractor. I believe you can use any protractor, only make sure the one you use is for a straight or curved tone arm, depending on what your turn table has.Unfortunately, most of us are not able to hear every cartridge before we decide to buy, and certainly, each cartridge might make certain types of music sound best. After hearing the Shure M44-7 and the Shure MX97xe on the same equipment, I can only say that I would recommend the Shure M44-7 first and foremost. The Shure Mx97xe has a more digital and perhaps even more clinical sound. The Shure M44-7 cartridge has a more organic sound production, which is not at all mechanical. What I like about the Shure M44-7 is that the music from it has a more emotive quality.

The stylus comes in a 'case' that consists of thin plastic with cardboard backing packaging, which is then placed in a dime bag. If you buy it in at Guitar Center, it comes in a secure protective box so the delicate stylus does not get crushed.Luckily mine came intact so i'm not complaining. Most people end up throwing the plastic case away anyway but for some this may be something to note.Other than that, it works like it should. Am happy with my purchase.